Argentina, one of world’s top ten wine exporters

Wine makers and exporters from all over Argentina gathered in La Rural to participate in the 2009 edition of "Vinos y Bodegas".

For two days, visitors were able to enjoy the newest products of more than one hundred exhibitors, including the traditional Malbecs - the national top selling grape variety - and bolder options from boutique cellars.

Argentina, one of world's top ten wine exporters, grows more than 70 percent of the world's Malbec. In spite of the global economic crisis, exports of Argentine wines have grown 20 percent in the past year. Argentine Bonarda and Torrontés grapes are also very well known in international markets. The latter is only produced in this country.

Local winemakers sustain that the crisis means a new opportunity for local winemakers, who plan to take advantage of the shifts in consumption patterns in Europe and North America, the largest wine consumers.

However, recent studies also highlight that the national market is also gaining relevance. Consumers are increasingly replacing beer and the traditional Fernet for Argentine reds.